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MGM Rolls the Dice at National Harbor

A high-end casino could be coming to the National Harbor. MGM wants to build a complex that includes slot machines, table games and a luxury hotel. News4's Derrick Ward reports. (Published Friday, June 15, 2012)

Vegas, baby?

Try Maryland.

Developers with National Harbor and MGM Resorts International announced Friday that they have reached an agreement to bring a high-end casino to Prince George's County.

MGM Considered for National Harbor Casino

We might soon see Vegas on the Potomac. National Harbor in Prince George's County is in talks to be the location of a new casino hotel complex.

(Published Friday, June 15, 2012)

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley would need to call a special session of the General Assembly to approve the plan. That could happen as early as July 9 in order to get it on the November ballot for voters to make a decision.

“The opportunity to build a destination casino resort in the National Harbor complex was extremely compelling,” said James J. Murren, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of MGM Resorts International, in a statement. “We believe this ideal location will not only attract residents from Virginia and D.C., but will also serve as a new amenity for the more than 40 million domestic and international visitors who travel to the Nation’s Capital each year.”

“We share MGM’s vision for creating world-class facilities and their track record of success makes them an ideal partner,“ stated Milt Peterson, Founder and Chairman of Peterson Companies in the statement. “The power of the brands in the MGM Resorts portfolio and their loyal customer base of 60 million will attract customers from all around the globe."

The proposed $1 billion development would create 5,000 jobs, according to a report in the Capital Gazette. It would be the sixth casino in Maryland. The state's fifth casino, Maryland Live!, has been packing in the crowds since its grand opening last week.

National Harbor hadn't appled for a casino in the past because Maryland permits only slot machines -- but now there's a move in the state to add Vegas-style table games.

Busch and Maryland Senate President Thomas V. "Mike" Miller, Jr. support both the added casino and the gaming changes, although Busch said state officials have a lot to consider before a casino at National Harbor would become a reality.